Published author of YA and adult paranormal romance, horror, urban fantasy short stories, novellas and novels. On this site you'll find writing advice, information on my work, book reviews, author interviews and more…

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Book Review: Grave Destinations by Lori Sjoberg

Synopsis:

She’s sexy-fierce, resourceful—and will do anything to protect victims as innocent as she once was. But this kick-ass reaper never bargained on meeting her not-quite-human match…or putting their very souls on the line.

A luxury Caribbean cruise is Ruby Dawson’s idea of hell even under the best circumstances. Too many bad memories bubble up—especially of the wrenching injustice that made her a reaper. It doesn’t help that Jack Deverell is making this routine soul-collecting job twice as difficult with his devilish good looks and not-so-innocent questions. Now, as several unscheduled, unexplainable deaths throw passengers and crew into a panic, Jack becomes the prime suspect. The only way Ruby can save him is to challenge the decades-old curse threatening his soul. And as a malevolent unstoppable force turns their immortality into a fatal weakness, Ruby and Jack must risk their fragile humanity to save Fate’s delicate balance and their own unexpected destiny…

Growing up the youngest of three girls, Lori never had control of the remote. (Not that she’s bitter about that. Really. Okay, maybe a little, but it’s not like she’s scarred for life or anything.) That meant a steady diet of science fiction and fantasy. Star Trek, Star Wars, Twilight Zone, Outer Limits – you name it, she watched it. It fed her imagination, and that came in handy when the hormones kicked in and she needed a creative excuse for being out past curfew.

After completing her first manuscript, she joined the Romance Writers of America and Central Florida Romance Writers. Now she exercises the analytical half of her brain at her day job, and the creative half writing sensual paranormal romance. Grim reapers are her specialty, but she loves to write about all creatures of the night.

This is a 2nd book in a series, but I was assured you don’t need to read the first to enjoy the second – and they were right! I adored this book. I’ve been reading a lot of paranormal romance recently and this one really stands out for three reasons: The Relationship, The Setting and The Mystery. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, and although I’m not really into murder mysterious, there was enough paranormal in there to keep me happy as I Agatha Christie’d my way to the end.

From a writer’s perspective, the relationship between Jack and Ruby was built up nicely, along with the tension of the overall plot. There was never a point where I wanted to stop reading (a good sign you’re enjoying a book) and the story was very imaginative and different from the normal paranormal romance where the two main characters are instantly attracted to each other and never really seem to individually ‘come alive’.

The front cover could prove a little misleading with a surfer on it. There’s no real obvious paranormal edge to it and it might not inspire the more visual reader to pick it up. I keep saying how over-crowded and competitive this genre is and a front cover should represent the main points of the book – getting across to the potential reader why they should pick it up. Don’t get me wrong, surfer dude is good, but there really should be more made of the Reaper angle (I realise there is one on the surf board, but I only picked that up when I really stared at it) and Ruby deserves to be on the book cover too.

Overall I’d give Grave Destinations 5 out 5 stars. If you can’t afford to go on a cruise this year – at least pick up this book and do a bit of supernatural murder mystery indulgence. Go on, you deserve it!

Bad Blood – Battle of the Undead #1

“I am Britannia. I am your protector. I will fend off the hungry hordes of undead hands that reach toward you. I am your steadfast defender. I will stand between you and the zombie masses as they try to taste your flesh. I am strong, unyielding, and dedicated to your survival. All I ask from you… is your blood.”

Bad Blood Reviews

5 Stars: This book is freaking Awesome! I read it in like three hours! I couldn’t put the book down the action was mind blowing and the story was riveting! Amanda Masters Reviews

5 Stars: Now, the main reason I loved this book so much was the action. Every word describes action. Every page has action. I also really love the author’s selection of different species of the book and the contrast between the two: the vampires and the zombies. Girl in the Wood Reviews

4 Stars: Bad Blood brings an exciting new take on Vampires. I have to admit, vampire books have been boring me lately, but when you add zombies to the mix…. Loved it!! Genie (Goodreads)

5 Stars: I loved it.. Not really into a Zombie Book, but because it had Vampires I gave it a try and wow.. really a fast paced action book for a short read. Valerie (Goodreads)

Bad Timing – Battle of the Undead #2

Bad Timing - Battle of the Undead #2 out now!

Traitors’ Gate – Battle of the Undead #0.5 – FREE READ

About Nicky Peacock

My published books

Bad Blood – Battle of the Undead #1

So Long and Thanks for all the Brains – Available: http://www.amazon.co.uk/So-Long-Thanks-All-Brains-ebook/dp/B006T3L2CW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410436510&sr=8-1&keywords=so+long+and+thanks+for+all+the+brains